As old as i am, i dont think it's an old v. new school thing. I agree with your take on it, hope for noble intentions. But i dont respect the mind-games that coaches try to play. nor games from players.
A guy like Cowher, hell the men i've always seen in my life that have real honor - they'd tell you **** right to your face.
These kid-athletes at 21 years old (starting w/ Meshaun way back) display alot of disrespect. And i think the first thing you do is take them aside privately and dress them down.
Public stink has lingering effects on trust... and that works both ways. Cowher, Reeves, Shottenheimer, Landry, Noll and Gibbs are men that were always above-board and trusted to actually lead. I guess that's just one man's opinion about it.